After the panel Fusers were given the opportunity to speak to the panellists, along with other leaders across Fuse, in small group speed mentoring sessions. Here’s what we learnt:

LEADERSHIP COMES IN ALL SHAPES, SIZES (AND POSITIONS ON THE CAREER LADDER)

People often mistake authority and power for leadership, especially within the workplace. You don’t need to be a CEO, or even a Manager, to be a great leader. What makes a leader is a desire to achieve goals, help others and to create something better than what already exists. This can come from any level at a company.

YOUR NETWORK SHOULD BE BROAD, AND RELATIONSHIPS SHOULD BE NURTURED

“Your mentor shouldn’t just be within your department, or even company, you should be looking for people who can enrich your skills both in and outside of the workplace…” Claire Maker said as we sat down for our one-to-one session. Time needs to be spent on a relationship for it to grow and be meaningful.

KINDNESS & COMPASSION IN THE WORKPLACE GOES A LONG WAY

A number of leaders also spoke about how kindness and compassion is key in the workplace. Although this can sometimes be perceived as a weakness, in reality this is not the case at all. Being open to others enables us to face tough times with creativity and resilience.

NO TWO ROADS ARE THE SAME, THIS IS OUR GREATEST STRENGTH

How can we excel and expand creatively as a company if we’re only looking through one lens? The diversity of the individual paths we’ve taken to where we are now is what can push our business forward. Everything we have done, not only in our work life, but in our personal life too has had an impact and made us the leaders we are today (whether we realise we are leaders or not).

ACTION REALLY DOES CREATE IMPACT

In an age where people want to be seen as ‘doing the right thing’ it’s important that companies stand and take action, rather than just talking about issues. Fuse has launched a Diversity & Inclusion Group which is working to build an inclusive business that reflects the UK today. This group will help to shape the future of Fuse for the better.